If the Heat don't move Jimmy Butler by the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, he'd be better off picking up his player option to facilitate a trade this offseason.

Sports Illustrated has proposed a three-team Jimmy Butler trade that would see the Heat star heading to Los Angeles.

The Clippers land a third star in Butler to pair with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Even without Leonard in the lineup, Los Angeles has managed to exceed expectations and have the look of a true contender.

Unveiling the Miami Heat's search for offensive firepower to supplement their elite defense. Explore a trade proposal that could help them.

Along with missing Adebayo, the Heat was also without Butler (team suspension), Josh Richardson (right heel inflammation) and Dru Smith (Achilles surgery) against the Clippers. Richardson was on the trip with the Heat, but he returned to Miami to undergo an MRI on his lingering heel injury.

The defeat to the Lakers also marked the first game back by Heat center Bam Adebayo as he missed the Clippers game because of a lower back contusion. He suffered the injury in the win over the Portland Trail Blazers last Saturday after a bad fall right on the back which made him inactive for the first time this season.

Jimmy Butler’s seven-game suspension has stirred controversy, with the NBPA planning to file a grievance against the Miami Heat's decision. With Butler sidelined and his future with the team uncertain,

Winning without Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo proved too much to ask from the Miami Heat, with their three-game winning streak snapped with a loss Monday night to the Los Angeles Clippers at the